LOCATION-BASED RECOVERY DEVICE AND RISK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICES AND DATA
A device and software utilizing Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technologies for monitoring and recovering portable computing devices and, a method and system for acquiring such devices, protecting data on such devices, and for compensating owners of devices. A GPS mechanism of the invention provides real time tracking of missing devices that may be coordinated with security agencies to intercept and recover missing computing devices. When a stolen device is unrecoverable, the invention may receive a signal to initiate data recovery where a wireless network is available to recover data for the owner. Alternatively, the GPS mechanism instructs the device to encrypt or destroy stored data files to prevent commercial espionage or privacy violations. The invention discloses a software system and method for computing a purchase price of the GPS mechanism, computing compensation for loss of the device and lost data.
1 - 16 . (canceled)
17 . A system for protecting a laptop computer, the laptop computer having electronically stored records comprising:
a global position satellite device for determining a location of the laptop computer having a signal reception and transmission assembly for communicating with one or more global positioning satellite arrays; and circuit elements in communication with the signal reception transmission assembly and electronically stored records for preventing the use of the electronically stored records in response to receipt of a signal signifying the loss or theft of the laptop at the signal reception and transmission assembly.
18 . The system for protecting the laptop computer of claim 17 , wherein the global position satellite device outputting a location signal in response to receipt of the signal.
19 . The system for protecting a laptop computer of claim 18 , wherein the global position satellite device outputs a position location at predetermined intervals.
20 . The system for protecting a laptop computer of claim 17 , wherein the global positioning satellite device causes the electronically stored records to be eradicated in response to the signal.
21 . The system for protecting a laptop computer of claim 17 , wherein the global positioning satellite device encrypts the electronically stored records in response to the lost signal.
22 . The system for protecting a laptop computer of claim 20 , wherein the global positioning satellite device determines that a predetermined time interval has lapsed from the receipt of the signal and eradicates the electronically stored record in response to the determination.
23 . The system for protecting a laptop computer of claim 21 , wherein the global positioning satellite device decrypts the encrypted electronically stored records in response to a key code received at the signal reception and transmission assembly.
24 . The system for protecting a laptop computer of claim 17 , wherein the global positioning satellite device, in response to the signal, causes a second signal to be transmitted to cause an insurance carrier to replace one of the laptop computer and the economic value of the laptop computer.
25 . The system for protecting a laptop computer of claim 20 , wherein the electronically stored records include at least one of data, software programs, and operating systems.
26 . The system for protecting a laptop computer of claim 21 , wherein the electronically stored records include at least one of data, software programs, and operating systems.